National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Help the American Cancer Society: ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ Dear Friends, Please join us in the fight against breast cancer by registering to participate in the third annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Southern Illinois. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a walk/run that unites communities to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, to educate women about prevention and early detection and to raise money to fund life-saving research and support programs to help eliminate breast cancer. What makes this event unique is that it offers something for everyone: For the serious competitor: River to River will be present timing and medals will be given for top performers. For the non-competitive: The same 3 mile course offered for you to complete at your own pace. For beginners and those in treatment: A 1-mile, less strenuous course. For those unable to walk either course: Opportunity to cheer on others and participate in activities on-site. The event promises to be fun and filled with energy for everyone. While it is not mandatory, wearing pink is highly encouraged! By registering, you have already secured your Making Strides commemorative t-shirt. By raising only $75 more, you can be part of the Impact Club and also earn a special edition
DETAILS What: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, a noncompetitive 5K run/walk When: Saturday, Oct. 26; registration 8 a.m., race 9 a.m. Where: Harry L. Crisp Sr. Sports Complex, 1606 S. Carbon St., Marion Fee: $25 per person; includes race T-shirt What’s new: Kids fun Run, ages 0-12; registration is $10, or $25 (with shirt) More info: 618-998-9898 option 3 or alli.arvanis@ cancer.org
Making Strides bracelet. Lastly, please invite any breast cancer survivors that you know to join you at the Making Strides event. There will be special activities and a special gift for all breast cancer survivors. Thank you in advance for what you are doing in the fight against cancer. If you have questions or need additional information about Making Strides, please don’t hesitate to contact the American Cancer Society at 618-9989898 option 3 or at alli.arvanis@cancer.org. We look forward to seeing you at the event. Sincerely, Rhonda Cox Regional Leadership Board Chair Southern Region American Cancer Society
Join the American Cancer Society in the tireless fight against breast cancer The American Cancer Society, which has been saving lives for 100 years, is urging women during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to join the society in the fight to end breast cancer once and for all. As the leader in the fight to end breast cancer, the society estimates more than 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and more than 40,000 deaths from breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the U.S. in 2013. “The American Cancer Society has played a role in nearly every major breast cancer research breakthrough in recent history, and we encourage all women to take steps every day to stay well from breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and limiting alcohol intake,” said Caleb Nehring of the American Cancer Society. “Thanks, in part, to the progress we’re making together, death rates from breast cancer have dropped by 33 percent since the early 1990s. This translates to 184,000 lives
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than 3 million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the society’s efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50
• Bob Williams, publisher bob.williams@thesouthern.com
Page 2 Wednesday, October 9, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
Breast Cancer events across the U.S. or participate virtually at www.MakingStridesWalk.org. z Make a donation. z Volunteer to help people with breast cancer in your community. The American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM continues to fight back against breast cancer by working to increase funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which provides low-income, uninsured and underinsured women access to mammograms and Pap tests. Current funding only enables the program to serve less than one in five eligible women ages 40 to 64 nationwide. ACS CAN encourages anyone touched by this disease to let Congress know that support for the NBCCEDP is important, and that an increase in funding for this program is vital to its continuation. To get involved, please visit acscan.org/breastcancer.
About the American Cancer Society
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saved that would’ve otherwise been lost to breast cancer.” The society helped establish mammography as the standard to find breast cancer early and recommends that women 40 and older have a yearly mammogram and clinical breast exam. Also, the society recommends that women ages 20 to 39 receive a clinical breast exam at least once every three years. Today, one in every two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer reaches out to the society for help and support. The society provides help and support 24 hours a day at 800-227-2345 or cancer.org to anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis and is doing the most to help people with breast cancer today while working tirelessly to find cures to end the disease tomorrow. Here are a few ways to join the society in the fight to end breast cancer: z Get started at www.cancer.org/fightbreast cancer. z Fundraise and walk in one of our 300 Making Strides Against
percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. As we mark our 100th birthday in 2013, we’re determined to finish the fight against cancer. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest
• To subscribe: Call 618-351-5000 from Carbondale, Murphysboro and DeSoto; 618997-3356, option 2 from Williamson County; or 800-228-0429, option 2, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 800227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
• To place a display ad: Call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 618-529-5454, option 6; from Williamson County, 618-997-3356; or toll free: 800-228-0429, option 6.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
What the American Cancer Society does Patient services for breast cancer patients Nutritional supplement: Patients often need nutritional supplements to keep up their strength during treatment. We can help assist patients in applying for programs that will help meet this need either for free or low cost. Pain and nausea medication program: To qualify, patients must have no prescription coverage at this time. The Medicare Part D donut hole and private insurance that doesn’t cover a specific Rx are considered in this category, as well as Medicaid pending patients. There is an application process that must be completed through the local office. Look Good … Feel Better: Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her self-confidence. Look Good … Feel Better is a free program that teaches beauty techniques to women cancer patients in active treatment to help them
combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Volunteer cosmetologists lead the sessions, which include tips on skin care, make-up application, and wig choice, wig care and wig styling. All participants receive a skincare and make-up kit that is theirs to keep free of charge. Wig Closet: Currently housed at the local American Cancer Society office in Marion, the Wig Closet offers free wigs to cancer patients. There are also branches of the Wig Closet in Fairfield at The Medicine Shoppe – Home Medical Equipment (contact Lucy Potts at 618842-2531), in Mount Vernon at the Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. (contact Penni at 618-998-9898, ext. 3) and Split End Salon in Metropolis (contact Sherri 618-524-4749) Transportation solutions: Lack of
transportation leaves cancer patients with few options for completing their treatment schedules. The American Cancer Society offers several options for patients who are faced with this discouraging situation. Road to Recovery is a free service offered by the American Cancer Society in which volunteer drivers provide cancer patients transportation to and from cancer treatment, and treatment related appointments. When Medicaid Transportation is an option, ACS will fill out all of the forms and work with the transportation companies and doctors offices to schedule rides for the patient so they don’t have to worry about the hassle. When neither of these options is suitable, ACS can offer several options for transportation grants which may be available to qualified applicants to help patients and families off set the burden of high fuel prices.
Personal health managers: The Personal Health Manager is a very valuable tool kit for people with cancer. The kit can help you learn about your type of cancer, treatment, and side effects, organize your cancer information, keep track of test results, doctors appointments, and medications, and organize your medical bills and insurance information. Case management: At our local office in Marion, our social service staff can help patients through a variety of situations. Through our case management process, we offer information on virtually any kind of cancer and/or treatment, we can help find financial resources when they are available, help a patient navigate through the Medicaid or Social Security Disability application and appeal process when necessary, and help with other questions when they arise. — American Cancer Society
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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Among women, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer other than skin cancer. Breast cancer is also the second-leading cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer). This is where you come in. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness
Month. You can help save lives and fuel the fight to end breast cancer by encouraging your employees to stay well by taking steps to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer and find it early, when it is easier to treat. By collaborating
with the American Cancer Society, you can also connect employees facing breast cancer to programs and services to help them focus on getting well. We encourage you to share these messages during the month of October and throughout the year. — American Cancer Society
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The Southern Illinoisan Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Page 3
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
‘Look Good, Feel Better’ promotes beauty, inside and out BY ADAM TESTA THE SOUTHERN
CARBONDALE — Meghann Fozzard felt as though she led a fairly blessed life and wanted to give back to others who were struggling with their own. She, however, didn’t know exactly how to do so. Opportunity presented itself, though, through her job as a cosmetologist at Hair Brains in Carbondale. Talking to a client who works for the American Cancer Society about her desires to help, Fozzard learned of an ACS program perfectly suited for her services. The Look Good, Feel Better program provides participants, mostly women, undergoing cancer treatments with makeup, styling products and hair pieces to help bring out both their outer and inner beauty during one of life’s harshest
challenges. For Fozzard, the program provided her exactly the outlet she desired. “It just really fell into my lap,” she said. Fozzard organizes programming sessions where women can come meet each other, share their experiences, receive free products and be given tips and instruction on how to use them. People can sign up for the program as often as they want, but only first-time participants will receive the free products. And, according to Fozzard, the gift bags are nothing to brush off. “They have some really good products in them,” she said. “I’m usually jealous.” But Look Good, Feel Better isn’t just about external beauty. Being around a group of people who are
going through the same medical care helps participants relate to others, build their confidence and know they’re not alone. The makeup and wigs help improve perception of external beauty, but they also help with internal changes. “By the time they leave, they look like completely different people,” Fozzard said. “It’s not just the makeup, either; it’s their attitudes.” Fozzard credits the ACS for organizing such a practical, yet inspirational program but also notes the organization provides a plethora of other important services, as well. For her, it’s an honor and a privilege to play even a small part in helping cancer patients successfully navigate their treatment. “It’s just really neat,” she said. adam.testa@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5031
Stay well and reduce your risk of breast cancer Did you know that there are steps you can take that might reduce your risk of getting breast cancer? Watch your weight. Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Choose foods that help you maintain a healthy weight. Eat at least 2.5 cups of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day. Try to choose whole grains instead of processed (refined) grains and sugars, and limit the amount of red meat and processed meat you eat, especially meats that are high in fat. Balance the number of calories you eat with your physical activity. Exercise. Adults should engage in
moderate activity for at least 150 minutes a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, or an equivalent combination, preferably spread throughout the week. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink, if you drink. Women who drink alcohol should limit their intake to no more than one drink a day. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. In addition to making healthy lifestyle choices, be sure to get yearly mammograms starting at age 40. These tests can help you find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. — American Cancer Society
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Page 4 Wednesday, October 9, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN
Meghann Fozzard, a stylist at Hair Brains in Carbondale, found the perfect way to help those battling breast cancer. She offers services through the American Cancer Society’s Look Good, Feel Better program.
Getting well: Help through every step
The Mammogram: A yearly screening test that could save your life
Here are a few of the free programs and services offered by the American Cancer Society. Information Specialists are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide information, dayto-day help, and emotional support. z One-on-one support from breast cancer survivors who have “been there” z Help with beauty techniques to boost selfesteem during treatment z Free or low-cost wigs and other supplies for women in treatment z Transportation to and from treatment z Lodging when being treated far from home z Help making informed decisions about things like medical care, finances, and insurance z Online support communities z Online education classes
Yearly mammograms and breast exams for women age 40 and older can find breast cancer early, when the disease is most treatable. The American Cancer Society’s current breast cancer screening guidelines are: z Yearly mammograms should begin at age 40 and continue for as long as a woman is in good health. z A breast exam should be part of a periodic health exam — every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women age 40 and older. z Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast changes to a health care provider right away. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes or other locations outside the breast is 99 percent. However, if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the rate drops to 84 percent. And if the cancer has spread to other organs, the rate drops to 23 percent. That means taking the time to get screened for breast cancer can make a dramatic difference in a woman’s chances of surviving this disease. So don’t wait—ask your doctor about the screening tests that are right for you, and remind the women you care about to get a mammogram and breast exam every year once they turn 40. Remember, though, that testing for breast cancer is not perfect. Mammograms and breast exams can miss some breast cancers, so be sure to report any changes in the way your breasts look and feel to a doctor right away.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN
Kelly Hoffmann of CrossFit in Carbondale hangs signs Wednesday indicating donations to the American Cancer Society at the gym, inside the Garden Grove Event Center. The gym, along with CrossFit Marion, will host a fundraising event on Saturday, Oct. 19, to support the ACS.
CrossFit
Locations give back to those in need
BY ADAM TESTA
is saving lives by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding Southern Illinoisans can cures and by fighting work out with a purpose at back,” she said. “No other cancer-fighting CrossFit locations in Carbondale and Marion on organization has such a comprehensive mission. Saturday, Oct. 19. It’s important to bring From 10 a.m. to noon, awareness and help raise people can visit either funds to further their location and support the American Cancer Society. cause. We couldn’t be happier about helping CrossFit is asking for a with something so minimum $15 donation from those who choose to important.” Nate Simpkins, owner, participate. manager and trainer at Melissa Ray, director of CrossFit in Marion, 113 N. events and operations for Quality Way, said Garden Grove Event everyone has a cancerCenter, which houses Crossfit Carbondale, said related story with someone close to them, this is a chance for the making it an important gym to give back to the cause to support. ACS. “It’s a disease that has “Together with millions riddled the population,” he of supporters, the American Cancer Society said. “Everyone knows THE SOUTHERN
ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN
Noble Nedmon of Carterville works out during a class at Crossfit, inside the Garden Grove Event Center in Carbondale.
someone it has affected. It’s something we need to fight.” All proceeds raised from the fundraising will benefit the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. adam.testa@thesouthern.com 618-351-5031
The Southern Illinoisan Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Page 5
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Frequently asked questions: Breast cancer How many women are affected by breast cancer? An estimated 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States during 2013. Among women, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer.
healthy body weight. The use of alcohol is also clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. The Society recommends that women consume no more than one drink per day. Family history and genetics also contribute. Weight gain during adulthood and being overweight or obese are risk What are the American Cancer Society’s factors for postmenopausal breast cancer, recommended guidelines for the early as are having a personal history of breast detection of breast cancer using cancer, certain types of benign breast mammography? Based on an expert panel’s disease and several hormone-related review of the historic and recent evidence, factors. the Society recommends that women at average risk should begin annual What effect does a family history of breast mammography at age 40. Women should cancer have on a woman’s risk of getting the have an opportunity to become informed disease? Women with a strong family about the benefits, limitations, and history of early breast cancer — two or potential harms associated with regular more close relatives diagnosed before age screening. 50 — are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, the majority of Does mammography save lives? This year women diagnosed with breast cancer have alone, an estimated 39,620 women will die no close relatives (mother, sister or of breast cancer. And while daughter) with the disease, and most mammography is not perfect, getting a women with a family history will not high-quality mammogram is currently the develop breast cancer. most effective way to detect breast cancer early. Mammography can identify breast Why is early detection important? cancer before physical symptoms develop, Numerous studies have shown that early when the disease is most treatable. detection — having a yearly mammogram Death rates for breast cancer have — saves lives and increases treatment steadily decreased in women since 1989. options. The decrease represents progress in earlier detection, improved treatment, and What is a mammogram? A mammogram possibly decreased incidence as a result of is a low-dose x-ray procedure that enables declining use of menopausal hormone doctors to see the internal structure of the therapy. breast and possibly detect breast cancers that cannot be felt. These smaller tumors Can men get breast cancer? Breast cancer are more likely to be confined to the in men is rare, but it does occur. Men breast, meaning treatment is more likely should be aware of how their breasts to be successful. normally look and feel and should discuss any changes with his health care When should women have mammograms? provider. The American Cancer Society’s current breast cancer screening guidelines are as Who is most at risk for developing breast follows: cancer? Several factors contribute to the Yearly mammograms are recommended risk of developing breast cancer. Aside starting at age 40 and continuing for as from being female, age is the main risk long as a woman is in good health. Women factor. As age increases, so does the risk of with serious health problems or short life developing breast cancer. In fact, two out expectancy should discuss ongoing early of three invasive breast cancers are detection testing with their health care diagnosed in women age 55 and older. providers. Modifiable risk factors that are associated A breast exam should be part of a with a lower risk of breast cancer include periodic health exam, at least every three breastfeeding, moderate or vigorous years for women in their 20s and 30s and physical activity, and maintaining a every year for women age 40 and older.
Page 6 Wednesday, October 9, 2013 The Southern Illinoisan
Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s, and women should be told about the benefits and limitations of breast selfexam. The American Cancer Society recommends that some women — because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors — be screened with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in addition to mammograms, starting at age 30. (The number of women who fall into this category is less than 2 percent of all the women in the United States.) Women who think they are in this category should talk with their doctor about their history and whether they should have an MRI with their mammogram. They may also call the American Cancer Society for more information about screening. What should women do to stay well and reduce their risk of breast cancer? Women can help reduce breast cancer risk by choosing to make healthy lifestyle choices to stay well. Many studies indicate that being overweight increases the risk of breast cancer among post-menopausal women, so all women should strive to maintain a healthy weight. In addition, moderate to vigorous physical activity among both pre-menopausal and postmenopausal women has been shown to decrease breast cancer risk. Weight control and regular physical activity are also important for breast cancer survivors. There is convincing data that obesity is associated with breast cancer recurrence, and data from a large study of breast cancer survivors showed that higher levels of post-treatment physical activity were associated with a 26 percent to 40 percent reduction in the risk of recurrence and mortality. Healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and limiting alcohol intake are important steps to helping reduce your risk of breast cancer. Compared with non-drinkers, women who consume 1 alcoholic drink a day have a very small increase in risk. Those who have 2 to 5 drinks daily have about 1½ times the risk of women who drink no alcohol. Excessive alcohol use is also
known to increase the risk of developing several other types of cancer. The Society recommends that women consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day. Does mammography detect all breast cancers? While mammograms detect the majority of breast cancers, they are not perfect and fail to detect about 10 to 20 percent of breast cancers. Women with negative mammograms who find a change in their breast should be certain that their breast change is evaluated by their doctor. Is mammography the only technology currently used to screen for breast cancer? Mammography is the standard tool for early detection today. Other imaging techniques, however, are under investigation. These include MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound. Some of the techniques are currently used to follow up on suspicious findings from a physical exam or mammogram or along with mammography in women with increased risk for breast cancer. Is it true that mammography has not been effective at reducing breast cancer mortality? The view that mammography has only marginally reduced the rate at which women present with advanced cancer must be viewed with caution. Reductions in deaths from breast cancer are due to a number of factors, including increased awareness, the rise of mammographic screening, and better treatment. However, we do not and cannot know with precision how much these contribute to decreasing deaths and at what proportion. The Society believes existing evidence shows that the benefits of screening mammography every year beginning at age 40 outweigh the risks and harms, which are an unavoidable part of breast cancer screening. The Society also recommends that women have careful and thorough discussions with a health care professional as they consider screening, including the benefits, limitations, and potential for adverse events such as false positive findings and the possibility of over-treatment. Women should understand that breast cancer screening is imperfect, and does have limitations.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Is breast cancer over-diagnosed? Many experts agree that not every breast cancer detected early will go on to cause serious disease and even death. However, there is considerable disagreement as to how many breast cancers actually are overdiagnosed. Numerous studies addressing the issue have come up with estimates ranging anywhere from 0 to more than 30 percent. The most credible evidence suggests the rate of over-diagnosis is between 10 and 20 percent. While the rate of over-diagnosis is unsettled, we do have proof that appropriate treatment of early-stage breast cancer saves lives. Observation, or what in prostate cancer has been termed “watchful waiting,” is not appropriate for breast cancer. A woman who is diagnosed with breast cancer should always receive treatment. There is little question that over time we will continue to refine and improve our ability to determine which women are more or less likely to benefit from different approaches to screening and treatment. Are breast cancer screenings covered by insurance? The Affordable Care Act guarantees women access to proven preventive services such as mammograms and cervical cancer screenings, both in new private insurance plans and in Medicare, with no deductibles or copays. Additionally, most states require that Medicaid provide coverage and reimbursement for the early detection of breast cancer. How are you ensuring access to mammograms for women who need them? The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, works tirelessly to boost both federal and state funding to support the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which brings lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screening, information, and follow-up services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women. Thanks in part to this work, the NBCCEDP has been able to provide more than 10.7 million screening exams to more than 4.3 million women, detecting nearly 57,000 breast cancers. ACS CAN is currently urging Congress to protect NBCCEDP funding, and to continue funding increases in future years to sustain and build the program to serve more women. ACS CAN also advocates at the state level to protect funding for state Medicaid programs, which provides
treatment services to women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through the BCCEDP. In 2011, the American Cancer Society launched the Mid-South/South Atlantic Cancer Disparities Reduction Collaborative across the southeast United States, in which community health advisers are trained to work in their local communities to increase cancer screening, especially for breast cancer. We are also collaborating with the Walmart Foundation to provide grants to underserved communities to support community education on breast cancer screening and prevention and to help reduce disparities in screening among African American women. Other collaborations include the NFL with the “A Crucial Catch” campaign, Walgreens and Lee Jeans. Additionally, ACS CAN continues to work with Congress to increase access to patient navigators which helps patients in medically underserved communities work their way through the health care system, provides outreach and education for patients to encourage preventive screenings, and addresses needs that may impact compliance with screening and treatment. When should women perform breast selfexaminations? What if they detect a lump? Women should always be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel. If a woman chooses to do breast selfexaminations, she should do it regularly, preferably monthly. Beginning in their 20s, women should be told about the benefits and limitations of breast selfexam. While research does not show that doing breast self-examination reduces breast cancer deaths, the exam may provide self-awareness and heightened sensitivity to important breast changes. If a lump is detected, a woman should see her health care professional as soon as possible for an evaluation. What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer? Breast cancer can be detected by the appearance of irregular images on mammograms. Other signs include persistent breast changes, such as a lump, thickening, swelling, dimpling, skin irritation, distortion, retraction, scaliness, rash, ulceration, pain and tenderness of the nipple, or spontaneous nipple discharge. During a breast examination, lymph nodes in the armpit and above the collarbone may be felt for enlargement or firmness, which might indicate the spread of breast cancer.
The Southern Illinoisan Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Page 7
An annual mammogram might not have been Debbie’s first priority. Like most women in their 40s, she was concerned with work, running the household, caring for her family…until she discovered a lump. Suddenly, it was Debbie who needed care – not just from one doctor, but from an entire physician team dedicated to her specific case. Her breast health patient navigator at the SIH Cancer Institute saw her through the entire journey of cancer and helped her get back to her priorities. Now – cancer free, she’s fought a battle…and won.
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